WeeklySA_AdminBATHI SIMNANDI: Taking the Soweto tourism experience beyond the famed Vilakazi Street
By Ali Mphaki
He once referred to Thabo Mbeki as an ”idiot”, but Lucky Mazibuko would not mind hosting the former president at his snazzy pub and grille outlet, The Zone, located deep in Soweto’s suburb of Emdeni.
Reputed for his proud and smug character, it would however be akin to biting more than one can chew to one day expect to see Mbeki accept an invite from The Zone, but what a day that would be to see him crossing forks and knives across the table with Mazibuko as they discuss this and that.
For all their well-published differences, perhaps it is one aspect – food – that could see both Mbeki and Mazibuko finally sup from the same plate.
More so since the pipe-smoking former president was, in what is perceived a dissident view, adamant that providing ARVs to people without proper nutrition could be more debilitating to their health than achieving the opposite.
And not that Mbeki would be the first political leader to grace The Zone. Former DA leader Musi Maimane did make a turn at the venue about three years ago, where he presented Mazibuko with a certificate of appreciation for his contribution to the fight against the virus.
Thrust into the international spotlight when he made public his HIV status in the novel stages of the virus in the 90s, Mazibuko, through some smart footwork by then Sowetan editor, the erudite Aggrey Klaaste, was offered a column in the paper, where with his writings was to a considerable extent able to demystify the stigma around the HIV/Aids, and as he puts it, became “the most handsome” face of the campaign.
In fact, it is no longer enough just to mention the name Lucky Mazibuko. An honorary degree beckons the use of the prefix Dr before his name, even though lately the affable Soweto lass refers to himself as “The Great One” as can be seen in his social media accounts
Truth told some of us as his colleagues at Sowetan were skeptical about Mazibuko’s proclaimed HIV-status, while the more cynic among us had even written his epitaph seeing how deadly the virus was in its wake.
When he announced he would not take ARV treatment until available to all, it only fed on the latter macabre sentiment, with people fearful that his days were numbered.Clasping his hands as in prayer and striking a serious pose, Mazibuko says over all he is thankful for the gift of life as one of the longest survivors with HIV.
‘Thirty-One years to date,” says the father of three, two of whom are graduates. It is hard to pinpoint the secret of his longevity, but
“I lead a productive and meaningful life,” he retorts. More importantly is that Mazibuko employs more than 30 people.
“What could have happened to me if I had no access to ARV treatment,” he asks.
On the question of tourism in Soweto, Mazibuko says it is fallacy and a bit short sighted to shine the spotlight only on Vilakazi Street, when the township has do much to offer.
He feels it is historic mission to spread the tourism canvass of Soweto, a determination born from the realization that Vilakazi Street is not the be and end all –
“I am on a mission to expand the tourism experience of Soweto beyond Vilakazi Street,” he says.
‘A bed and breakfast and a shisanyama next to The Zone is on the cards, so as to give a holistic township experience for tourists,’ he adds. It is obvious from his plans that Mazibuko’s ducks are in row on his way to creating a niche for himself in the tourism sector.
A visit to The Zone on any day of the week, there is always a theme of the day, and you immediately feel like a VIP charmed by the warm smiles from the waiters.
The service is brisk and the menu rotates from day to day, for instance with Mondays known as Mogodu Day, Thursday’s you’d have Buffet Day, the food cooked to exacting standards.
No wonder The Zone’s slogan is Bathi Simndani, an isiZulu phrase for “They Say We Delicious”, which is no idle threat. Guests at The Zone have a comprehensive menu to titillate their palates from, with most dishes starting from just below the R100 mark.
For those with an exotic taste (prawns, sushi and the likes) pre-orders are accepted. Personally, my favourite day at The Zone is on Sundays, where they usually have an R&B session called 3Sum Sunday, where top three DJs alternate in spinning their discs while I gorge on my plate of ribs, enjoying the inevitable “bird watching” but with my Ex-On-The-Beach cocktail in hand.
It is no secret that what is known as “Deep Soweto’ used to lack in terms of sophistication and shortage of amenities etc. but what is not in doubt is that The Zone comes out as refreshing oasis and also helps put the suburb of Emdeni, on the map.
For a man who imagines himself not as a business man but “the business man”, Mazibuko when not at The Zone has a busy schedule dividing his time as CEO of Mazibuko Media as well as chairman of Soweto Braai Day.
He says he is not altogether lost in journalism, assisting young would-be journalists to learn the craft via his media NGO.
And while he is proud of his sacrifices and the selflessness of others which resulted in millions of lives preserved by forcing the government to make available ARV treatment, Mazibuko has embarked on an irreversible course of cooking a new chapter in his life, offering leisure interspersed with pleasure as his favourite meal.
Indeed, as his slogan says, it is always a “delicious” time at The Zone. Take a turn there and experience for yourself why they say Bathi Simnadi about The Zone. Bookings are available for birthday parties, baby showers, corporate year-end parties, graduation ceremonies etc. on 083 499 4166, and tell them I told you so.
Published on the 51th Edition. Get E-Copy
